FilesLocker ransomware is a data-encrypting threat that is being distributed as a Ransomware as a Service or RaaS. It mostly targets Chinese and English-speaking users based on its ransom note that is both written in Chinese and English languages. At the time of writing, it may look like a standard small little C# ransomware with little or no distribution. It also turns out that this ransomware is being offered as RaaS where anyone can sign up and earn commissions. According to researchers, this crypto-malware is offering those who sign up as an affiliate a 60% revenue share of all the ransom payments so if the affiliate can drive enough traffic, the commission can go high as 75%.

Moreover, the RaaS also claims to have numerous features you would expect like customization, tracking, strong encryption as well as clearing of the shadow volume copies of targeted files. Aside from these aforementioned capabilities, here are other characteristics of this RaaS.

This crypto-malware can operate on Windows XP~Windows 10 with NET 4.0, 32-bit and 64-bit Windows Server.

There is no server required.

Chinese and English blackmail and dual language interface are used.

It creates a bilingual blackmail letter on the desktop and on each disk.

It has intuitive background statistics, you can view countries, systems, browsers, etc.

It encrypt files with RSA 2048+AES algorithm, no one can crack around the world

It also executes vssadmin.exe to delete all shadow copies

It can be properly encrypted in a broken network environment, but can not send statistics to the panel

Ransomous windows cannot be closed unless third-party tools are used

Based on the analysis done by security experts, FilesLocker ransomware is a fully functional crypto-malware which includes an embedded public encryption key used to encrypt the generated key to encrypt victims’ files. Once it encrypts files, it targets files from specific folders like Documents, Desktop, Pictures, Music, and so on. It uses both AES and RSA ciphers in encrypting files and appends the .locked extension to each one of them. After the encryption, it opens a program window which contains the ransom note that states:

“FilesL0cker RAN$OMWARE

###########################################

All your important files(database,documents,images,videos,music,etc.)have been encrypted!and only we can decrypt!

To decrypt your files,follow these steps:

1.Buy 0.18 Bitcoin

2.Send 0.18 Bitcoin to the payment address

3.Email your ID to us,after verification,we will create a decryption tool for you.

Email:bakfiles@protonmail.com

Payment:3EZGS8P439PbBeiWjsGYjSSaRHn9CXKDRQ

Your ID: –“

How does FilesLocker ransomware circulate the web?

FilesLocker ransomware circulates the web using several methods. According to security experts, it was found being marketed through a Chinese hacking and malware forum which was located on TOR. Meaning to say, anyone can who has access can get their hands on this RaaS. After purchasing this threat, crooks may spread it via malicious spam email campaigns, deceptive downloads, fake updates or fake software and so on.

Use the following removal instructions to obliterate FilesLocker ransomware from your infected system effectively.

Step 1: Restart your PC and boot into Safe Mode with Command Prompt by pressing F8 a couple of times until the Advanced Options menu appears.

Step 6: Select any of the Restore Points on the list and click Next. This will restore your computer to its previous state before being infected with the FilesLocker Ransomware. A dialog box will appear, and then click Yes.

Step 7: After System Restore has been completed, try to enable the disabled Windows services.

Step 8: Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc at the same time. Proceed to the Processes tab and look for the malicious processes of FilesLocker ransomware such as “SF.exe”, “TR.exe” or “BLACKROUTER.exe” and end them all.

Step 9: Open Control Panel by pressing Start key + R to launch Run and type appwiz.cpl in the search box and click OK to open the list of installed programs. From there, look for FilesLocker ransomware or any malicious program and then Uninstall it.

Step 10: Tap Windows + E keys to open the File explorer then navigate to the following directories and delete the malicious files created by FilesLocker ransomware such as #DECRYPT MY FILES # .txt, # 解密我的文件 # .txt, Windows update.exe, 5b88484028ab1.pnq, [random.exe] and other suspicious-looking files.

%USERPROFILE%\Downloads

%USERPROFILE%\Desktop

%TEMP%

Step 11: Close the File Explorer.

Before you proceed to the next steps below, make sure that you are tech savvy enough to the point where you know exactly how to use and navigate your computer’s Registry. Keep in mind that any changes you make will highly impact your computer. To save you the trouble and time, you can just use Advanced System Repair this system tool is proven to be safe and excellent enough that hackers won’t be able to hack into it. But if you can manage Windows Registry well, then by all means go on to the next steps.

Step 12: Tap Win + R to open Run and then type in regedit in the field and tap enter to pull up Windows Registry.

Step 13: Navigate to the paths listed below and delete all the registry values added by FilesLocker ransomware.

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop\

HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\Control Panel\Desktop\

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce

Step 14: Close the Registry Editor and empty your Recycle Bin.

You have to continue the FilesLocker ransomware removal process using a reliable program like Advanced System Repair once you’re done with the steps given above. How? Follow the advanced removal steps below.

Perform a full system scan using asr. To do so, follow these steps:

Turn on your computer. If it’s already on, you have to reboot it.

After that, the BIOS screen will be displayed, but if Windows pops up instead, reboot your computer and try again. Once you’re on the BIOS screen, repeat pressing F8, by doing so the Advanced Option shows up.

To navigate the Advanced Option use the arrow keys and select SafeMode with Networking then hit